Former Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Olasupo Shasore, SAN, has asserted the critical distinctions between the indigenous peoples of Lagos and its residents during the Roundtable on Land and Power, organized by the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) on August 13, 2024.
Addressing a diverse audience at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Resource Centre, Shasore’s keynote address challenged conventional narratives surrounding the origins of Lagos, which he described as often negligent of the city’s geographic and historical complexities.
Shasore articulated that human settlements have always been influenced by geography and natural resources, asserting that Lagos’ coastal location has made it a magnet for migration throughout history.
He criticized the oversimplified “Lagos Settlers’ Myth,” arguing that a deeper understanding of the city’s geography is essential for grasping its true identity and history.
He proposed a collaborative research initiative with IADS-UNILAG to conduct archaeological excavations in key areas like Ido and Idumagbo, suggesting that the identity of Lagos is far more intricate than the First Settler mythology implies.
Identifying Lagos as Nigeria’s only cosmopolitan state, Shasore remarked on its rich tapestry of ethnicities that have converged over centuries.
He traced this cosmopolitan character back to the arrival of the Saros and Agudas—liberated slaves and their descendants—who blended with indigenous populations and Europeans to form the multifaceted society seen today.
“Lagos has always been a welcoming city, open to those seeking a better life,” he stated, advocating for the ongoing acceptance of diverse cultures.
Addressing the contentious notion of Lagos as a “No Man’s Land,” Shasore reaffirmed the rights of indigenous communities to express their unique identities. He highlighted the importance of recognizing that while citizenship in Lagos is constitutionally conferred upon Nigerian residents who contribute to the state, indigeneity holds its own distinct significance.
“Voting for governor is not an indigenous right; it is a constitutional right,” he clarified, urging for a balance between citizenship and indigenous rights in the governance of Lagos.
Following Shasore’s address, three panels delved into various aspects of land, culture, and identity in Lagos. The first panel examined land contestation, with Dr. Esther Thontteh pointing out the implications of the Land Use Decree, which she argued has led to significant disputes over land ownership. The second panel, featuring Elder Statesman Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, explored the definition of a “Lagosian,” positing that anyone claiming a connection to Lagos has a stake in its identity.
The final panel, led by Prof. Patrick Oloko, discussed the “Spirit of Lagos,” emphasizing the city’s unique ability to embrace multiple cultures while fostering individual growth.
Common themes echoed throughout the discussions included the undeniable indigenous character of Lagos, the misconception that access to land equates to indigeneity, and the necessity for both preservation of heritage and accommodation of diverse cultures.
In his welcome address, Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye, Director of IADS-UNILAG, underscored the importance of ongoing research into Lagos’ complex identity, noting that the institute remains open to partnerships that further explore African studies.
